Costosternal AnatomyAnatomy of the thoracic wall.The costosternal anatomy is unique in the body, and quite diffent to the other bones and joints. This is because of its important function of protection of the vital organs, whilst still enabling breathing. The ribs make up an important part of the thoracic wall. The ribcage is formed by three sets of bones:
The joints between the breastbone and the ribs are made up of special so-called COSTAL CARTILAGE which may sometimes become very painful in the
Tietzes syndrome.
MusclesFrom the chiropractic perspective, costosternal anatomy is concerned with bones, muscles, joints and nerves. Of course there are also arteries ...The spaces between the ribs are filled by the INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES. These muscles extends from the sternum to the angle of the rib, posteriorly. They are very important in breathing. The PECTORALIS MAJOR muscle is can be seen on the anterior thoracic wall. It has two origins, one of which is the sternocostal cartilages and the other the sternum bone. The PECTORALIS MINOR muscle is located at a deeper level than the pectoralis major muscle. It originates from the third, fourth and fifth ribs and is inserted in the coracoid process of the scapula. The SERRATUS ANTERIOR muscle covers most of the lateral thoracic wall and originates from the first nine ribs. Its fibers converge posteriorly to be inserted into the medial margin of the scapula, thus contributing towards forming the medial wall of the axilla. The diminutive SUBCLAVIUS muscle originates from the first rib, close to the chondrocostal junction, to be inserted in the collarbone. Its function is to stabilize the clavicle in movements of the shoulder.
Costo-sternal jointsThese costosternal anatomy joints, when subluxated, are a common cause of chest pain. Chiropractic treatment involves stretching the doctor's hands right around the ribcage, from the sternum to the spine, an providing gentle thrusts to release the fixations.
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click here … BATS IN MY BELFRY. Costo Vertebral JointsThe rib forms three synovial facet articulations with the spine (see below):
This arrangement restrains the motion of the ribs allowing them to work in a parallel fashion during breathing. If a rib had only one joint posteriorly, the resultant swivel action would allow a rib to move out of sinc with respect to its neighboring ribs, making for a very inefficient respiratory mechanism. These joints may be sprained, often after a violent sneeze, causing severe sharp pain with every breath. The condition responds extremely well to a gentle chiropractic adjustment.
FROM THE COAL FACEThe thoracic spine is usually not the source of serious problems. Irritating, and occasionally acute pain, because of the stabilising ribs, it generally gives much trouble. Consequently, it also less x-rayed. Chiropractors generally, myself included will often adjust the thoracic spine without having given it the attention that one might give the lumbar spine.Mrs S is a thirtyish woman who has significant Low Back Pain sinds shortly after the birth of a her first child, about three years ago. Opinion has it that much low back pain starts during the pregnancy, but in my experience it starts soon after the birth of the child. All the lifting ... It didn't improve with various other ministrations, and six months started down her leg. She has responded very well, and after a month her low back and leg pain is almost gone. But ... I adjusted a subluxation between her shoulder blades, where she had no pain, and she is really suffering! It's a little better, but she's not a happy lady. She came with one pain, and left with another! That's what we call Iatrogenic Illness, or doctor-caused-disease. Read more … IATROGENIC ILLNESS. For information about chiropractic treatment of rib pain,
click here … RIB PAIN TREATMENT. The BreastThe breast obviously lies just adjacent to the costo-sternal joints, and covers some of the muscles.A breast condition may mimic the costo-sternal syndrome, and occasionally a breast examination by your chiropractor may be indicated. Alternatively, you could ask that your GP do the examination. Talk frankly about it. During the treatment of the costo-chondral syndrome, the doctor's hands will approximate the breast tissue as they firmly hold the rib during the in or out phase of breathing. He should release his grip, and slightly remove his hands during the inactive phase of breathing, to ensure that there is no embarrassment. Should you feel awkward then it may be necessary to ask a friend or family member to accompany you, or ask if the secretary may be present. It is best to talk frankly about this.
Nerves
The NERVE bundles from the spine, are threaded between the muscle layers, and are responsible for the innervation of the intercostal muscules. As can be seen the costosternal anatomy is unusual in both function and structure, making it vulnerable to various pain syndromes. Other conditions may mimic a rib problem. For example, should you also be experiencing indigestion, a
hiatus hernia. INDIGESTION HEARTBURN ...
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